The holiday period was a microcosm of the Blues' whole season so far with the amazing being mixed with the abject.
Having watched the Blues slump to an injury-time defeat at West Brom but then demolish a Hull side that had only lost once previously on its Premier League travels and finally come back from 2-0 down with six minutes to play at Blackburn, Hughes is confident that much better times lie ahead.
"The season has been frustrating because at times in certain games we have shown how good a side we can be and in other games we have really disappointed," he agreed.
"What we need is a consistent level of performance and if we can get that then we can go into the second half of the season with confidence.
"We must go into matches expecting to win them not hoping to win them. It has been a busy six months what with the change of ownership off the field and the UEFA Cup ties added to the mix.
"We have already played more than 30 games and at times that has stretched us. We possibly found the hectic schedule more difficult than expected because the squad is not as strong as it needs to be.
"The number of games has been a drain on us in that sense but we are through to the knock-out stages in Europe and that, along with the FA Cup, gives us something to look forward to.
Time
"We don't resume until February in the UEFA Cup and that gives us time now to get some more work into the lads and make sure we have a strong second half to the season."
Before the dramatic draw at Ewood Park question marks had been put alongside the character of Hughes' side but they have now silenced many of the critics.
"Credit to the lads, we stuck at it at Blackburn in our last game and got the least we deserve from a game where we created the better chances, had more of the ball and were denied a certain penalty," said the manager.
"I can sense the self-belief in the players after the last two games which showed the full range of qualities a team needs to be successful in the Premier League.
"We displayed fantastic attacking play against Hull with the manner of the victory and in the game at Blackburn we showed different skills. We dug in and showed a real togetherness and willingness to scrap. We got our reward for that."
The only downside was an injury to England under-21 ace Nedum Onuoha, who will not be available for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest.
"Nedum is likely to miss out because of tight hamstrings," said Hughes. "It is unfortunate for him and a shame because he did really well in the second-half against Hull and again at Blackburn last Sunday.
"It was a good opportunity for him but when you have not played that many games sometimes it can be difficult to build up the match strength that you need.
"He is a little bit compromised at the moment but hopefully it is only a six to eight day injury and he will be ok for the trip to Portsmouth."
What do you think? Have your say.
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Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
eighthsin (31/12/2008 at 07:17)
Roll on January!!!!!!!!
emmgee (31/12/2008 at 08:37)
BLUEBOY! MANCHESTER NOT LONDON!, MANCHESTER (31/12/2008 at 09:17)
howard'63, Perth, Down Under (31/12/2008 at 09:21)
PS. Bloody hot here, 39c. Ah well, another day on the beach...
Eric, Dutch, 33 years and still here (31/12/2008 at 09:25)
Still, I go with Mark Hughes to try and turn inconsistency into consistently winning games. I don't mind the old blip once in a while (what would this site be without the moaning), as long as we reach our goals and win prizes in the end.
I LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WISH EVERY CITY-FANS WORDWIDE A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN GOOD HEALTH.
AND MAY IT BE ANOTHER MEMORABLE BLUE YEAR !
Kippax 36, High Heath (31/12/2008 at 09:29)
bluemoooon (31/12/2008 at 09:32)
It feels like the night before Christmas, I know the press did`nt know who we were signing till they were presented at Carrington. lets hope it is the same this time.
The names have been very consistent, RSC (Injured till late Jan in his own words.) and 3 goals to his name.will he make much of a contribution this term?
Bellamy(+baggage) and only 4 goals,and very injury prone.
Drogbra mentioned yeterday,says" he has lost his passion for the game"!!!
However he is an awesome goal machine
Also strong rumours that Chelski are still smarting at the last couple of dealings of Rob & Sweep, appear not to want to do business with us if rumour control has it right.
So does that rule out Bridge ?
Newsnow is reporting Kaka is in the Radisson hotel Manchester , I wish.
The way Real Madrid have done their shopping in the pre Christmas sales has been a lesson to every club, ignore the rules,do the deals early,get the best players and hit the ground running Jan 2nd.
Still there is the "surprise" Mr Cook mentioned in December.
Anybody got any rumours on any new names ?
dakeb, somerset (31/12/2008 at 09:40)
Private Fraser, Warmington-On-Sea (31/12/2008 at 10:30)
Jack Thorley Trafford, Timperley (31/12/2008 at 10:36)
None of the clubs who need to sell are going to accept any offers until City begin to open their cheque book,they all know that if we want their player we can out bit anyone.
For the first time in our history money is not a problem but possibly none of the 20 top players in the world will want to leave their current clubs in January.
Even then if you are already on £100k a week with millions already in the bank and living in a fabulous villa with your family well settled would an extra £20k a week inspire you to move to sunless Manchester.
It may appear to some that Mark Hughes only has to fax his bid and the players will be on there way,but the truth is that he will in most cases have to eventually lower the standard of some of his potential targets until next summer.
At least he will not have to compete against United for players because like Mick Hucknall one of their fanatical supporters they are 'SIMPLY IN THE RED'
OB1 (31/12/2008 at 10:53)
I'd love to see some spellbinding signings in January but just getting in a few more players who perform consistently to a decent standard would be a step forward. We need to stop being the division's most mercurial team.
Steve - Chorley (31/12/2008 at 10:57)
On another point seeHughes as quoted we won't be held to ransom again yet he seems prepared to spend big on RSC who is injured and is performing well below last seasons standard yet his price has gone up by 13 mill +. Looks like Drogba is unhappy get in there he is a much better player.
tony 1finga, wythenshawe (31/12/2008 at 11:02)
Oily Rog, Gee Cross (31/12/2008 at 11:07)
Alf Tupper, The Track, Manchester, where else? (31/12/2008 at 11:07)
calum down (31/12/2008 at 11:14)
Planet City (31/12/2008 at 11:16)
CARLO CUDICNI, DROG, TOUR'E, TURNER & BRIDGE.
Not much to ask for, is it?
HNY Bluemooners !!!!
PDB, Manchester (31/12/2008 at 11:26)
stevemac1, Dublin (31/12/2008 at 11:28)
Lets hope that we are not held to ransom for above average players such as RSC, bellamy et al.
It doesnt appear as if we have any deals done at this stage which is a bit disapointing given the long run in to this transfer window.
mr bump, badlands (31/12/2008 at 11:28)
albatross, bury (31/12/2008 at 11:30)
Our constant weakness is against teams who press us, so we have either got to learn to play through them or buy players who can...Kaka can! :)...but this is the old dilemma isn't it. Do fans want to wait for our youngsters to improve, or buy replacements?
Happy New Year to one and all.
Esso Blue (31/12/2008 at 11:32)
pedro luna azul, alicante spain (31/12/2008 at 11:37)
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL CITY FANS FROM THE COSTA BLANCA
Esso Blue (31/12/2008 at 11:42)
Oily Rog, Gee Cross (31/12/2008 at 11:48)